April 23, 2012 - Lowell, MA - Lowell General Hospital is the first healthcare facility to receive the da Vinci Si Surgical System with Skills Simulation in Massachusetts' Merrimack Valley, offering the most advanced and state-of-the-art robotic surgical technology to patients today. This makes Lowell General Hospital one of only a few hospitals in Massachusetts to be training surgeons in robotic surgery with the da Vinci Skills Simulator. Lowell General Hospital is also one of only a few multi-specialty robotic programs in the region to offer robotic treatment options in urologic, gynecologic, and general surgery.

On April 5th, Dr. Michael Jiser, Lowell General Hospital's Chief of General Surgery, completed his first series of robotic general surgery procedures, successfully performing several laparoscopic gall bladder removals. Dr. Jiser, a pioneer in minimally invasive surgery, is the first surgeon in Massachusetts to use the advanced da Vinci Si robotic system to perform these general surgery procedures.

The robotic system enhances the surgeon's skill with computer technology, enabling him to see vital anatomical structures more clearly and perform surgical procedures more precisely. State-of-the-art, robotic instrumentation controlled by the surgeon allows for complex procedures to be performed through a few tiny incisions that eliminate the need for large incisions. High definition, three-dimensional vision offers surgeons visualization far superior to that of the human eye.

The da Vinci Si has several unique features designed to provide additional clinical benefits and efficiency in the operating room, many of which translate to patient benefits, including:

Enhanced 3D, high-definition vision of operative field with up to 10x magnification

New da Vinci Skills Simulation

Superior visual clarity of tissue and anatomy

Surgical dexterity and precision far greater than even the human hand

Updated and simplified user interface to enhance OR efficiency

New ergonomic settings for great surgeon comfort

The da Vinci Skills Simulator, which just recently became available, is a state-of-the-art computer that addresses the need for a realistic training environment for robot-assisted surgery. This new training technology can be thought of as a flight simulator for surgeons, with close approximation of the "touch and feel" of the actual da Vinci robotic surgical system. The device offers a variety of exercises designed to give surgeons the opportunity to gain extensive training in robotic techniques.

"By enhancing surgical capability through improved technology, we are able to provide our patients with better clinical outcomes so they can return to active, productive lives more quickly," said Dr. Jiser. "The highly-advanced Simulator offers our surgeons a unique training tool to sharpen their skills. This training opportunity strengthens the skills and encourages innovation of our system's outstanding physicians which bolsters Lowell General's position as a leading healthcare provider throughout the region."

The da Vinci Surgical System and the Skills Simulator are developed by Intuitive Surgical Inc. Intuitive Surgical, Inc. is the global technology leader in robotic-assisted minimally invasive surgery. The company's da Vinci Surgical System offers surgeons superior visualization, enhanced dexterity and greater precision compared to traditional surgical approaches. More than 500,000 patients worldwide affected by a range of conditions have had a da Vinci procedure. The da Vinci System enables surgeons to perform even complex procedures such as open-heart surgery through 1-2 cm incisions. Founded in 1995, Intuitive Surgical has more than 1,300 employees in offices around the world.

About Lowell General Hospital

Lowell General Hospital is an independent, not-for-profit, community hospital serving the Greater Lowell area and surrounding communities. The hospital offers the latest state-of-the-art technology and a full range of medical and surgical services for patients, from newborns to seniors, including: the Regional Center for Maternal and Pediatric Care in partnership with Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center, the Cancer Center, and the Heart and Vascular Center.

The main hospital campus offers 217 licensed beds, including 28 bassinets and a Level IIB Special Care Nursery. The hospital's satellite campus, Lowell General Chelmsford, offers a variety of outpatient services, including the Surgery Center, the Imaging Center, the Patient Service Center, the Center for Weight Management and Bariatric Surgery and Floating Hospital for Children's Pediatric Specialty Center.

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